#AskIt – Disney Springs vs. Universal CityWalk

This week we’re taking on the dining and shopping destinations of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. CityWalk connects Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Disney Springs is larger but not connected to any park. Both have plenty of opportunities for food and retail therapy. So this week’s question is:

5 thoughts on “#AskIt – Disney Springs vs. Universal CityWalk”

Honestly it’s been a while since I’ve been to City Walk, but I found the rebranded Disney Springs underwhelming. If Pleasure Island was still around I would have voted differently, but I would rather hang at Margaritaville and do some Monster Mini Golf than shop in the same stores I can at my local mall. I admittedly drink the Disney Kool Aid 99% of the time, but the demise of the Adventurer’s Club has left me eternally salty about DS.

CityWalk looks waaaaay too ’90s. I actually like the vertical aspect of it, and Universal’s overall use of space, but it is really ugly, and too often loud and obnoxious

Westside isn’t much better at Disney Springs, but the theming everywhere else is spectacular (if still lighter than what it replaced). The springs themselves are gorgeous, the architectural details are wonderful, and the atmosphere is just so much more pleasant.

Also, the parking situation is no comparison. Free parking, choice of parking structures, lights to indicate available spots. Disney Springs has this in the bag.

I went to both this summer. Disney Springs reminded me of Beverly Hills, and not in a good way. Overall, it was underwhelming. CityWalk, on the other hand, was overwhelming, but not in a good way. It didn’t really feel inviting, but at the same time, I enjoyed it more than Disney Springs. For me, it’s basically a toss up.

I agree with another poster in saying that the Springs area itself is beautiful. In addition, the new restaurants and snack places elevate Disney Springs. The new parking structures and electronic parking system are great. I’m not a fan of the Town Center area as it does remind of a non-descript high end shopping mall, but the rest of the Springs mostly carries that unmistakable Disney touch.